Intradecidual T lymphocytes lack immunohistochemically detectable T-cell receptors.
The decidua apparently plays a major role in immune tolerance to the semiallogeneic embryo. In the present study we applied the immunohistochemical ABC method to investigate the expression of CD3, TCR alpha/beta and TCR gamma/delta molecules on intradecidual T cells with a panel of mAbs. Whereas intradecidual T cells expressed readily detectable amounts of CD3, they lacked immunohistochemically detectable amounts of either alpha/beta or gamma/delta TCR heterodimers on their cell surface. Peripheral blood smears of the same patients showed normal expression of alpha/beta and gamma/delta TCR on CD3+ T cells. The specific absence of (alpha/beta or gamma/delta) TCR molecules on the surface of intradecidual T cells could be one of the decisive factors in tolerance of the maternal immune system towards the fetus.
Dietl
J
J
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tuebingen, Federal Republic of Germany.
Horny
H P
HP
Ruck
P
P
Marzusch
K
K
Kaiserling
E
E
Griesser
H
H
Kabelitz
D
D
D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003656:Decidua / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000276:immunology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000032:analysis*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell